<span style="color: #222222;">The Supreme Court today directed the Centre to make suggestions in the guidelines for rational use of personal protective equipment so that kits are provided to all medical professionals who are working in non-COVID treatment areas in the country.<br />'' <br />'' A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana, hearing the matter through video-conferencing, passed the direction after it was informed that asymptomatic COVID-19 patients are reported to be on the rise in India.<br />'' <br />'' The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and B R Gavai, was dealing with an application seeking provision for PPE for health workers including doctors, nurses, ward boys, medical and para-medical professionals who are working in non-COVID treatment areas keeping in view that fact that coronavirus infection from asymptomatic patients is reported to be on the rise.<br />'' <br />'' The bench, which disposed of the plea, made it clear that orders passed by the apex court on April 8 in the matter would continue. On April 8, the apex court had observed that doctors and medical staffs are the "first line of defence of the country" in the combat with COVID-19 pandemic and directed the Centre to ensure that appropriate PPEs are made available to them.<br />'' <br />''<br />''The court had passed the order on pleas seeking protective kits, other requisite equipments and safety measure for doctors and healthcare workers amid coronavirus pandemic.</span><br />